Five years after Covid: Post-Covid fallout in the US and why employee morale is at an all-time low – The Times of India

Five years after the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a global pandemic, the US workforce continues to feel the lingering effects. The workplace environment, once thriving on flexibility and a shift toward remote work, is now experiencing the fallout of what experts are calling the “Great Detachment.” As employee engagement hits a record low, workers are navigating a shifting landscape marked by diminished job satisfaction, higher levels of burnout, and a growing sense of disillusionment with their roles.
According to recent data, the uncertainty brought on by Covid has created an environment where employees no longer feel the same sense of connection or purpose they once did. As companies strive to adapt to an ever-changing market and managers struggle with increasing pressures, the workplace is facing a crisis of motivation and morale. The once-booming job market, fueled by the Great Resignation, has evolved into a more cautious and stagnant period, with employees feeling disengaged and unsure about their future.
The Great Detachment: A new era of disengagement
“The Great Detachment” is a term coined by experts to describe the ongoing decline in employee engagement, satisfaction, and choice, a stark contrast to the period of optimism that followed the initial wave of remote work adoption. As reported by Forbes, this shift can be attributed to several key factors, including heightened uncertainty in both financial and physical work environments. The work-from-home trend that once served as a beacon of employee freedom has now become a source of frustration for many, especially as companies seek to return to office-based models.
Jim Harter, chief scientist of workplace management and well-being at Gallup, recently published an analysis of the last five years, noting the deepening challenges facing US employees. According to Harter, how people are managed on a daily basis is “multiples more important” than hybrid work policies. He stressed the importance of first-line leadership in creating a strong company culture and reinforcing it through everyday practices. However, as the workforce continues to grapple with the effects of Covid, it has become increasingly difficult for managers to provide the support and clarity their teams need.
Despite the challenges, Harter remains hopeful, citing examples of companies that are successfully navigating this new era of work. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that the road to recovery is long, and many organizations are still struggling with the aftershocks of the pandemic.
10 shifts reshaping the US workforce
As reported by Forbes, experts have identified ten key shifts in the workforce since the Covid pandemic took hold. These changes highlight the challenges and transformations the US job market has undergone over the past five years.
From employee-friendly market to employer dominance: Initially, the pandemic led to a surge in employee empowerment, with workers leaving jobs in droves during “The Great Resignation.” However, by 2025, employers are in a position of greater power, with the labor market cooling off and workers now feeling less in control of their careers.
The rise of ‘The Great Detachment’: A dramatic drop in employee engagement has marked the past year, with workers expressing low morale, decreased motivation, and a sense of detachment from their work. According to Gallup, employee satisfaction and engagement in the US are at an all-time low.
Manager struggles in the ‘year of efficiency’: Managers have found themselves squeezed between two conflicting demands: increasing efficiency while lacking the resources and training to support their teams. This has led to burnout and inefficiency in many organizations, as workers struggle to meet expectations without the necessary guidance.
Efficiency no longer guarantees success: As companies push for greater efficiency, workers are often left juggling multiple responsibilities without sufficient support. This has resulted in a counterproductive cycle, where the push for productivity actually leads to lower morale and higher turnover rates.
The impact of financial uncertainty: Many workers are experiencing heightened financial insecurity as inflation and rising costs create an unpredictable environment. This financial instability contributes to disengagement, as employees struggle with stress and anxiety about their financial futures.
Physical work environment uncertainty: The shift to hybrid and remote work during the pandemic created uncertainty about where work should take place. As companies move toward returning employees to physical offices, many workers are left feeling disconnected and uncertain about their roles and expectations.
Decline in manager training and support: Managers are under more pressure than ever to maintain productivity and employee satisfaction, but many lack the training and resources necessary to do so effectively. As noted by Gallup, first-line leaders are crucial in shaping company culture, but without adequate support, they are struggling to meet the needs of their teams.
A shift in work culture priorities: The post-Covid workplace is marked by shifting priorities, with many employees seeking more meaningful work, better work-life balance, and increased flexibility. Companies are being forced to adapt to these new expectations, but many have been slow to make the necessary changes.
The persistence of remote work challenges: While remote work was initially seen as a win for employees, its long-term impact has been more complicated. Many workers report feelings of isolation, disconnection, and burnout, particularly as hybrid work models become more prevalent. Companies are struggling to find a balance that works for both employees and employers.
Hope for the future: Leading by example: Despite the challenges, there are companies that are still finding ways to engage and motivate their employees. As reported by Forbes, Jim Harter points to these organizations as examples of how a strong culture, clear leadership, and consistent support can help foster a positive work environment, even in difficult times.